Orangutans in zoos require sophisticated cognitive and physical enrichment to meet their complex needs. Leading zoos are developing advanced programs with measurable welfare outcomes.
Orangutans are among the most cognitively complex great apes, and their needs in captivity are correspondingly demanding. A single piece of enrichment provided daily is wholly inadequate. World-leading orangutan programs provide multiple enrichment sessions daily, involve keeper relationships built through positive reinforcement training, and create environments that allow genuine problem-solving. The welfare gap between best and average practice in orangutan keeping remains large.